February 14, 2019
Bryan Jaski, a sophomore Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) student, recently accepted a summer internship with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) highly competitive Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) program. Jaski is among 114 students across the country who were accepted, and one of only five sophomores to be chosen. He was appointed to the Argonne National Laboratory to participate in novel gene research conducted by the DOE’s Nanoscience and Technology division.
The SULI program encourages undergraduate students and recent graduates to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers by providing research opportunities at DOE labs.
Throughout his 10-week term, Jaski will be conducting research for the division’s peptide-based biosensors project, which focuses on designing a biosensor that can detect concentrations of signaling molecules inside bacteria. Developments in bacterial signaling networks will be used to learn more about biofilm formation and bacterial environments, and for applications to other gene regulatory systems.
Jaski’s interest in a career on the research side of pharmacy drew him to the opportunity, which involves working under some of the nation’s top scientists. He credits the College of Pharmacy’s curriculum with piquing his interest in the areas of organic chemistry and human physiology that tie into the project.
“The SULI program is a great opportunity to apply my knowledge of biochemistry and gain the kind of hands-on laboratory work that goes into developing new drugs in pharmacy,” Jaski said.
The Argonne National Laboratory, located outside of Chicago, Illinois, is the largest national laboratory in the Midwest. It assists universities, industries and other national laboratories with complex projects requiring considerable resources to help address humanity’s greatest challenges.